Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled Bobo |Love by Okamoto, Usaburo

Dimensions: 6-1/2”h

A typical theme of only a few artists is that of either the mother with child or the infant in the arms of the Oshin, (Baby Sitter). Japanese mothers are known for proactively predicting the needs of their children, making the prevention of fuss a high priority. The babysitter was a trusted and essential part of the Japanese family and was particularly important to rural mothers who daily worked the fields, and who needed assurance that each child would be lovingly cared for throughout the day. This carving exemplifies the relationship between the figures, expressing serenity and stability.  There is little decoration on the piece and celebrates the wood and graining from which it was made. The piece is signed on the bottom.

Sosaku Kokeshi images of mother, Oshin, and child, as shown here, are rare subjects for inspiration in today’s Japanese artisan world, and are rigorously sought after by collectors.

Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful-developed patina commensurate which suggests a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and meets all the standards of the collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.